Scaffolding Regulations
Scaffolding regulations have been drawn up in much detail in order to protect individuals working on the scaffold towers as well as the public around it. These regulations may seem complex and complicated to understand at first and yes, it does take some time to familiarize oneself with them however this is a necessary Health and Safety requirement. Failure to do so and to implement all regulations appropriately will result in heavy fines for those in charge.
Scaffolding Regulations
Scaffold regulations apply to any work done at a height. There are various basic regulations that are to be adhered to and implemented for all types of scaffold towers and there are more specific ones which are relevant to only certain types of scaffolds such as mobile towers for example.
Scaffolding Construction
The basic scaffolding regulations deal with the structure of the scaffold itself. It must be constructed by closely following instructions and ensuring that all equipment, materials and components used are in prime shape. Rusty or faulty bits must either be professionally repaired or excluded completely and replaced with a new component. Attention must be paid to ensure that all bolts and screws are fastened tightly. Access stairways must be kept on the side of a scaffold rather than on the front and all planks are not to be installed at a height lower than 36 inches (1m) from the highest point on the scaffold.
Mobile Scaffold Towers
Regulations that apply to mobile scaffold towers specifically include common sense points like, for example, that all wheels must be locked and secured before workers are allowed to safely step onto the scaffold tower. This is to prevent the structure from moving. Also, obviously, all workers must descend from the structure before it is moved, this is to prevent injuries. While actually moving the scaffold tower an eye must be kept out for any wires, electric cables (or anything else of the sort) installed above the scaffold, as these could get in its way and cause complications.
Scaffolding Tools
The tools used in scaffold tower construction are powerful and, if handled incorrectly, dangerous. To prevent any serious physical damage regulations about personal safety dictate that not only must workers be taught how to use these tools by professionals but must also be wearing special protective gear whenever using them. Generally, personal protective equipment must not only be worn when working with such tools and by the person using it but by anyone in the vicinity of the scaffold tower, no matter what his rank, position or duration on the site may be. Personal safety is to be taken very seriously in the scaffold tower industry.
Work at Height Regulations 2005
In the UK a complete set of regulations can be found in the "Requirements for All Working Platforms" section of "The Work at Height Regulations 2005". A few general points have been picked out but it is important to be aware of the real detail of these regulations. Everything has been accounted for, from the minimal and maximal distance between individual poles to the width, size and breadth of planks and walkway platforms. The possibly most important calculated regulation may be that every scaffold must be constructed to hold at least four time the maximum intended amount and mass of people.